Portable modular work station including printer and portable data collection terminal

ABSTRACT

Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module. If the data collection terminal is equipped with a scanner device attached by cable to the data collection terminal, the scanner device may temporarily be stored in the holder, such that the data collection terminal, including such a scanner, and a printer within the printer module can be ported at a single unit between various use points. The data collection terminal including the scanner may be operated while disposed within the docking module of the carrying case. As an assemblage with the apparatus, a support structure in form of a formed tray includes provisions for attachment to a shopping cart. The tray also includes a support frame about a cavity of the tray. The carrying case may be placed into the support frame such that the data collection terminal may be operated from within the docking module of the carrying case while the carrying case is supported by the tray within a shopping cart.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.08/291,305 filed Aug. 16, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,991 issued Jan.16, 1996; which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/994,428filed Dec. 21, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,115 issued Sep. 14, 1994;which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/759,740filed Sep. 12, 1991, now abandoned; and said U.S. application Ser. No.07/994,428 filed Dec. 21, 1992, being also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 07/616,857 filed Nov. 21, 1990, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,186,558 issued Feb. 16, 1993 .

Said U.S. application Ser. No. 07/759,740 filed Sep. 12, 1991 being alsoa continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/634,246 filedDec. 26, 1990, now abandoned; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 07/463,748 filed Jan. 12, 1990, now abandoned.

Reference is made to the following related patent applications, pursuantto 35 U.S.C. § 120: U.S. application Ser. No. 07/345,200 filed Apr. 28,1989, having G. Hanson as a common inventor, now abandoned; U.S.application Ser. No. 07/426,135 filed Oct. 24, 1989, having G. Hanson asa common inventor, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,188 issued Jun. 8, 1993; U.S.application Ser. No. 07/549,298, having D. Schultz as a common inventor,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,232 issued Jan. 19, 1983; U.S. application Ser.No. 07/561,994 filed Jul. 31, 1990, having G. Hanson as a commoninventor, now abandoned; U.S. application Ser. No. 07/876,776 filed Apr.28, 1992, having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as common inventors, nowabandoned; U.S. application Ser. No. 07/876,629 filed Apr. 30, 1992,having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as common inventors, now abandoned; U.S.application Ser. No. 07/909,139 filed Jul. 6, 1992, having G. Hanson asa common inventor, now abandoned; and U.S. application Ser. No.07/948,034 filed Sep. 21, 1992, having G. Hanson and D. Schultz ascommon inventors, now abandoned.

Reference is also made to the following related non-copending patentapplications, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120: U.S. application Ser. No.07/227,195 filed Aug. 2, 1988, having D. Schultz as a common inventor,now abandoned; U.S. application Ser. No. 07/346,771 filed May 2, 1989,having G. Hanson and D. Schultz as common inventors, now abandoned; U.S.application Ser. No. 07/347,602 filed May 3, 1989, having G. Hanson andD. Schultz as common inventors, now abandoned; U.S. application Ser. No.07/529,353 filed May 25, 1990, having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as commoninventors, now abandoned; U.S. application Ser. No. 07/558,895 filedJul. 25, 1990, having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as common inventors, nowabandoned; and U.S. application Ser. No. 07/854,115 filed Mar. 18, 1992,having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as common inventors, now abandoned.

Reference is made to the following related international patentapplication, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119: PCT/US91/05234 filed Jul.24,1991, having G. Hanson and S. Salvay as common inventors.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Each of the U.S. applications and the published PCT internationalapplication WO 92/02084 listed in this CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORAPPLICATIONS section is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety including Appendices and drawings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally data collection apparatus includingportable data terminal collection units, as, for example, hand-held dataentry terminals. More particularly, the invention relates to portabledata collection apparatus having printing capability.

Background

Portable data entry terminals also referred to as data collectionterminals have seen ever increasing market applications in variousindustrial and commercial fields. Combined data collecting and dataprocessing operations in conjunction with on-site printing operationshave a potential for efficiency increases and cost reductions in themanagement of various types of route operations. In route operations thedriver carries the data collection terminal to the customers' premisesand enters data relating to the customers' purchases. The entered datamay then be used to prepare invoices. Upon return to the vehicle, thedriver returns the data collection terminal to a case housing a printer.The case includes electrical and communication connections to couple thedata collection terminal to the printer. Data from the data collectionterminal are then used to prepare the customers' invoices as immediaterecords of orders taken or of delivered purchases. At the end of aroute, the data collection terminals are removed from the case in thevehicle and are coupled by wired arrangements to a central dataprocessing station, also referred to as a central or host computer.Frequent removals and replacements of the data collection terminals toeffect data transfer and printing may bring about some wear and tear onthe data collection terminals and also on respective connectinginterfaces.

Other fields of use for portable data collection terminals withpotential for increases in efficiency relate to store and warehouseoperations including activities such as inventory controls, merchandiserestocking operations, customer service operations and real time pricingand sales record keeping. In warehouse and retail store operations, thedata collection terminals are provided with radio frequency (RF)transceivers to communicate during use with a corresponding transceiverof a central host computer. In this manner data may be transferred onreal time basis to the central computer. The data collection terminalsmay optionally also be equipped with bar code scanning devices as meansfor collecting bar code data from merchandise. Further options includebar code label printers which may be coupled to the data collectionterminal directly or by means of cables. Inherently the combination ofvarious functions increases the bulkiness of the apparatus which in turnaffect the ease of working with the apparatus in a convenient manner.

The use of portable or hand-held data collection apparatus is seen asbecoming more widespread as the apparatus becomes more practicallysuited to particular operations. With respect to retail stores and theirmerchandising operations improved data collection apparatus featuringcompactness and improved handling and operational characteristics aredesirable.

In retail store operations numerous tasks may be simplified by datacollection terminals. Such tasks include among many others stockingmerchandise items, price-marking stocked items, and marking shelves withitem identifications to determine restocking requirements when emptyshelves leave open questions on what items are in need of restocking.Handling the portable data collection terminals becomes at timescumbersome, when at the same time merchandise items and pricing andlocation information sheets may need to be handled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, data collection apparatus comprises acarrying case including a combination of a printer module and a dockingmodule arranged adjacent one another. The printer module and the dockingmodule are rigidly attached to each other and a handle is attached tothe combination for portability. The docking module receives a datacollection terminal and communicatively and operatively couples the datacollection terminal to the printer module for operating the printermodule and the data collection terminal. The data collection terminalmay be coupled to and operatively include a bar code scanner. Thedocking module preferably comprises cut-out end caps, such that the datacollection terminal may be inserted in the docking module without needto operatively disconnect the bar code scanner from the data collectionterminal while the data collection terminal is disposed within thedocking module.

Thus, according to the invention, a portable, printing data collectionapparatus comprises a portable data collection terminal and thecombination of a printer module and a docking module for the portabledata collection terminal. The portable data collection terminal includesa display and a keyboard and may include provisions for scanning datasuch as bar codes. The portable data collection terminal may alsoinclude communication means for transferring data to a data processingdevice. The docking module is preferably disposed adjacent and mountedto the printer module and includes electrical connections for datacommunication between a printer unit of the printer module and aportable data collection terminal docked in the docking module.

According to a particular aspect of the invention the printer module ofthe portable, printing data collection apparatus is an elongatesubstantially rectangular unit and the docking module is disposedadjacent one elongate side of the printer module. A handle is attachedto the opposite elongate side of the printer module. The handlecomprises means for releasably retaining data collection means such as abar code scanner. As an alternate embodiment bar code retention meansmay be separately mounted to an outer side wall of the docking unitopposite to the handle attached to the printer module of the datacollection apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, a data collectionapparatus support includes a rectangular support frame for receiving thedata collection apparatus. The support frame is supported by and part ofa support structure having a bar grip stop at an underside of a firstend of the support structure and a base support at an underside of asecond end of the support structure. As a particular embodiment, thesupport structure is a plastic support tray having a rectangular maincavity, the support frame being an integrally molded rim about an upperopening of the main cavity, such that the data collection apparatus iscradled above the main cavity.

An advantage over prior art apparatus relates to improvements in theability by a person to handle data collection apparatus as an assemblageforming a single unit including means for porting the apparatus as anassemblage forming a single unit between points of usage on the floor ofa merchandise store.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent when the detailed description below is read in reference to theappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description refers numerically to elements of the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a data collection apparatus including aprinter module and a docking module for receiving a data collectionterminal and shown with a received data collection terminal, the printermodule and docking module depicting features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial representation of an alternate datacollection terminal having an antenna and connector provisions in thetop end thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the base end of the data collection terminal ofFIG. 2, showing a plurality of terminal contacts in the base end;

FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial view of a currently preferred datacollection apparatus which includes modifications of features shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along lines "5--5" shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of certain elements of the docking moduleshown in FIG. 4:

FIG. 7 is a partial foreshortened section through the docking moduleshown in FIG. 4, depicting a particular embodiment of a lockingmechanism for retaining a data collection terminal inserted into thedocking module;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat simplified representation of the data collectionapparatus supportively cradled by a support tray, the support tray beingsupported in turn by a shopping cart, such as for a contemplated use ofthe data collection apparatus on the floor of a merchandise store;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the support the support tray of FIG. 8taken along the lines "9--9";

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional representation of dataflow and power connections relating to the operation of the datacollection apparatus; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the data collection apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reference to FIG. 1, a portable data collection apparatus isdesignated generally by the numeral 10. The data collection apparatus 10is comprised generally of a terminal carrying case 12 and a datacollection terminal 14. The terminal carrying case 12 in turn iscomprised of two basic modules, a printer module 16 and a dock member,namely a data collection terminal docking module 17. The printer module16 and the docking module 17 are both of substantially rectangularshape, having respective base ends 18 and 19 and top ends 21 and 22.When the apparatus 10 is in use, the base ends 18 and 19 would typicallyface an operator or user of the apparatus, with the respective top ends21 and 22 of the modules facing away from the user.

The data collection terminal 14 is of an elongate, rectangular shape,having respective top and-base ends 23 and 24, and having an upper face26, which is a substantially flat surface 26 intended to face the user.Thus, the upper face 26 typically has a display 28, such as a typicalLCD screen, and a keypad or keyboard 29, which may be a flat touchpadtype keyboard, as illustrated. In the alternative, the keyboard 29 mayhave individually depressible keys (not shown), in that the latter typekeyboards are also well known in the art. The data collection terminal14 is retained within the docking module 17 as shown, its upper face 26with the display 28 and the keyboard 29 facing upward and the top end 23of the data collection terminal being disposed toward the top end 19 ofthe docking module 19. A base end cap 31 has a cupped recess at the baseend 22 of the docking module 17. The recess is formed by an upper lip 32of the base end cap 31 which overlies the upper face 26 at the base end24 of the data collection terminal 14, thereby cradling and retainingthe base end. A top end cap 36 also features an upper lip 37 whichoverlies the upper face 26 at the top end 23.

The data collection terminal 14 is readily removed from the dockingmodule 17, or re-inserted into the docking module as the case may be, bymoving or displacing the top end cap 36 away from the top end 23 of theterminal 14. Such movement causes the lip 37 to move from an overlappingposition with and to release the top end 23 of the data collectionterminal 14. In furtherance of such a movement of the top end cap 36between latching and unlatching positions, the top end cap 36 may behingedly attached to the docking module 17. The top end cap 36 may thenlock or detent when moved into the latching or terminal enclosingposition. Alternatively, the docking module 17 may be provided with aspring-loaded follower similar to the top end cap 36 with the latchinglip 37. The spring-loaded follower exerts a resilient force against thetop end 23 of the data collection terminal 14 and urges the terminal 14into a snugly abutting relationship with the base end cap 31.

The top end cap 36 preferably includes, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, a slot or cutout 39. The top cutout 39 may be suitably sized toaccommodate extending features, such as a radio antenna 40. The antenna40 is typically an external element of an RF transceiver 41, theremaining elements of the transceiver 41 being typically disposed withinthe data collection terminal 14. A similar cutout 43 may be disposed inthe base end cap 31 of the docking module 17 to provide access to one ormore communication or power connectors, such as a connector 44. Theconnector 44 may, for example be coupled via suitable cable to a barcode scanner, such that the scanner may be operated while the datacollection terminal 14 is retained within the docking module 17.

The docking module 17 and the printer module 16 are by choice of equallength between the top ends 19 and 18 and the base ends 22 and 21. Thedocking module 17 and the printer module 16 are mounted adjacent oneanother along facing side walls 46 and 47. A data communicationconnector 48 in the side wall 47 of the printer module 16 is alignedwith a correspondingly mating data communication connector (not visible)disposed in the facing side wall 46 of the docking module 17. The sidewalls 46 and 47 are become rigidly attached to each other such as bycommon threaded screw fasteners through aligned mounting holes 50disposed in both side walls 46 and 47. With such attachment of the sidewalls 46 and 47 and the communications connector 48 and its matingconnector, the docking module 17 has become physically andcommunicatively coupled to the printer module 16. The data collectionterminal 14 in turn is communicatively coupled via a plurality ofexternal, spaced contact elements (see, for example FIG. 3), not shownin FIG. 1, disposed at the base end 24 of the data collection terminal14. Upon insertion of the data collection terminal 14 into the dockingmodule as shown, the contact elements are urged into contact with aplurality of corresponding spring contacts disposed at the base end 22of the docking module. The spring contacts are electrically coupled tothe connector in the side wall 46 and thereby to the connector 48 whichin turn is communicatively coupled to the printer mechanism 60.

A reversal in the assembly of the docking module 17 and the printermodule 16 is contemplated by duplicating the connectors 48 and itsmating connector, such that a mating connector 51 is shown in a frontalside wall 52 of the docking terminal 17. The mating connector 51 wouldthen be aligned with a duplicate connector (not shown) of the connector48, such duplicate connector being disposed in a far side wall 53 of theprinter module 16. Such duplicate connectors are of course electricallycoupled in parallel to the printer connector 48 and its matingcounterpart connector. The mounting holes 50 or equivalent mountingprovisions are also provided for in the respective alternately facingside walls 52 and 53 of the respective docking and printer modules 17and 16.

In furtherance of an object of the invention, the terminal carrying case12 includes a handle 55 which is preferably attached to the printermodule 16 as shown. Conveniently, the mounting holes 50 may be used toattach the handle 55 to the side wall 53 of the printer module 16.Additional mounting holes 50 may be closed off by conventional plugs(not shown). The side wall 52 of the docking module 17 may be providedwith a cradle member 56 which includes a cradle or holder 57 fortemporarily the scanner head or unit that may be attached by a suitabledata cable to the data collection terminal 14. Thus, the data collectionapparatus 10, including the printer module 16, the docking module 17,the data collection terminal 14 and optionally a bar code scanner unitmay be hand-carried by a user in one hand. In that the data collectionterminal 14 is operable while disposed within the docking module 17, theuser may remove the bar code scanner head from the holder 57 and operatethe scanner while holding the carrying case in the other hand. It shouldbe noted that the cradle member 56 includes a mounting base 59 whichcovers the alternate and unused connector 51. In the alternative, inwhich the cradle member 56 is not attached to the side wall 52, a footermolding may be attached which may include in lieu of the holder 57typical foot members attached to the base 59 which foot members wouldallow the carrying case 12 to be set upon such modified mounting base59.

The printer module 16 houses a printer unit or mechanism indicatedgenerally at 60. Various printer mechanisms 60 are commerciallyavailable, such as dot matrix printers or thermal printers which areavailable in a number of desirable widths. Printed or at least fed outpaper 61 is shown as exiting from a paper exit slot 62 of the printermodule 16, a supply of paper 61 being conveniently located within ahousing 63 adjacent the top end 18 of the printer module 16. A battery65 is inserted into a battery cavity 66 having an opening 67 at the baseend 21 of the printer module 16. The battery 65 may be any one ofcommercially available batteries, and is preferably a rechargeable typebattery, such as a lead acid battery used in various types of videocamera recorders. The battery 65 desirably is suited to power theprinter mechanism 60. The data collection terminal 14 is typically selfcontained and portable, including its own rechargeable power source,such that control signals are provided with respect to a common groundreference communicated via the connector 48 and its mating connector ina typical manner. It is understood that modifications in size of themodules are possible, though a compactness to promote ease of handlingis a desirable feature in accordance with an object of the invention. Itis understood that variations in data collection terminals may result inmodifications of the described carrying case 12.

FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial representation of an alternate datacollection terminal which is designated generally by the numeral 70. Thedata collection terminal 70 is of elongate substantially rectangularshape as the data collection terminal 14. The upper face 26 includes thedisplay screen 28 and the keyboard 29. The data collection terminal 70also includes the transceiver 41 as indicated by an antenna mountingsocket 72. Either a rigid antenna such as the antenna 40 may be mountedto the socket 72 or a flexible antenna may be preferred. The datacollection terminal 70 is portable and self contained and includestypically an internal rechargeable battery (not shown). As a variationfrom the described data collection terminal 14, the data collectionterminal 70 features at the top end 23 in addition to the antenna mount72 at least one and in the depicted embodiment two D-type connectors 73and 74. The connector 74 is contemplated to be coupled to a hand-heldbar code scanner 75 via schematically shown cord 76. The bar codescanner has a typical hand grip 77 by which the scanner is held andpointed in the direction of bar code labels to be read. In accordancewith the present invention, various types of scanners, such as CCDscanners or laser scanners may be used in conjunction with a datacollection terminal such as the terminal 70. The connector 73 iscontemplated to function as an alternate communications connector or asa combined communications and power connector, facilitating datatransfer from the terminal 70 to other external data communicationsdevices or power sources. The base end 24 of the data collectionterminal 70 features a plurality of spaced terminal pads 78, as shown inthe end view of the terminal 70 in FIG. 3. The terminal pads 78 arecoupled internally of the data collection terminal 70 to datacommunication, to control and to power leads. The terminal pads 78consequently provide the means for functionally coupling a datacollection terminal, such as data collection terminals 14 or 70, to anexternal data device, such as the printer mechanism 60 described withrespect to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a somewhat simplified pictorial view of a terminal carryingcase designated generally by the numeral 80. The carrying case 80 of thedata collection apparatus 10 is a currently preferred embodiment of acarrying case in accordance with the invention and includesmodifications over the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 1. Aswith respect to the case 12 shown in FIG. 1, the carrying case shown inFIG. 4 includes a printer module 81 which is attached substantially asalready described to a docking module 82. The printer module 81 iscontemplated for a preferred thermal printer 83 which is preferablydisposed directly beneath a printer lid 84 of the printer module 81. Inthe preferred embodiment the printer module 81 is of elongate,substantially rectangular shape. The lid 84 is pivotally mountedadjacent the top end 18 of the module 81 to pivot upward in thedirection of the arrow 85 giving access to a printer cavity and papercompartment disposed directly beneath the printer 83. A top surface ofan upper wall 87 of the printer module 81 adjacent the lid 84 featuresprinter controls which directly control the printer power via apreferred toggle switch 88 and paper feed via a push button switch 89.An external power socket 91 may be provided for supplying the printermechanism with external power and further for charging a battery powersource which is preferably disposed in a battery compartment 92 adjacentthe base end 21 of the printer module 81. The base end 21 is preferablyclosed by a battery compartment door 93 which may be a molded part ofshock absorbing plastic material. The battery compartment door 93 beattached by any of a number of convenient door latching or attachmentmeans. In a preferred embodiment, the battery compartment door 93comprises a twist knob (not shown) by which a latch bar 96 is rotatablymoved into engagement with the upper wall 87 and an opposite lower wallof the printer module 81. Because of the thickness of material of theupper wall 87 the latch bar 96 extends through a slot 97 in the upperwall 87 of the printer module 81. Consequently, the visual presence ofthe latch bar 96 within the slot 97 is a positive indication that thebattery compartment door 93 is firmly locking the battery compartment92.

A handle 98 is firmly attached to an outward facing lateral surface 99or side wall of the printer module 81. The handle 98 differs from thehandle 55 described with respect to the embodiment in FIG. 1, in thatthe handle 98 further includes a holder socket 105 forming a transverseretainer channel 106 into which the hand grip of an accessory may beinserted. To facilitate the insertion of a hand-grip or the like intothe retainer channel 106, the material of the socket about the retainerchannel 106 is preferably molded of a resilient rubber type material.Thus an outer end 107 of the socket 105 will resiliently yield and clampover a hand grip or other implement of substantially circular crosssection, when such hand grip is inserted past the outer end 107 into thechannel 106. In the preferred embodiment the printer mechanism 83 ispreferably a 2.4 inch thermal printer. While such a printer is ideallysuited for printing typical bar codes which may be attached tomerchandise items, the printer is also capable of printing alphanumericcharacters.

The docking module 82 differs structurally from the earlier describeddocking module 17 more than functionally. A top end cap 110 is fixedlyattached to a top end of a longitudinal channel member 111. The top endcap 110 includes a cutout 112 configured to maintain unrestricted accessto the antenna mount 72, and to the connectors 73 and 74 when the datacollection terminal 70 is inserted into the docking module 82. At thebase end 22 of the docking module 82, the longitudinal channel member111 is closed off by a base end cap 115. The base end cap 115 includes aprotruding upper retainer lip 116 behind which the data collectionterminal 70 is retained when inserted into the docking module and urgedtoward the base end 22. The channel member 111 and the top end base endcaps 110 and 115 form a terminal receiving cavity 117. The top end cap110 further supports a latch lever 118 which functions to retain theinserted terminal 70 within the cavity. The latch lever is spring biasedtoward the base end 22 of the docking module 82, the pivotal movement ofthe latch lever 118 being desirably limited between reasonable limitseven when the data collection terminal 70 is not inserted within thecavity 117 of the docking module 82. The terminal 70 may be insertedinto the cavity 117 by placing the base end 24 of the terminal 70beneath the lip 116 of the base end cap 115. When the top end 23 of theterminal 70 is then pushed downward into the cavity 117, the undersideof the terminal 70 engages a sloped camming surface 119 of the latchlever 118, urging the latch lever against its spring bias toward the topend 19 of the docking module 70. When the upper surface 26 of the datacollection terminal 70 has passed a detenting underside 121 of the latchlever, the latch lever 118 snaps toward the base end of the dockingmodule, the detenting underside 121 of the latch lever 118 capturing andretaining the data collection terminal. The spring bias on the latchlever further urges the top end 23 of the data collection terminal 70toward the base end of the docking module 82.

A spring contact assembly 125 is mounted to an inner surface of the baseend cap 115. The spring contact assembly is preferably comprised of acircuit board or planar support 126 to which is mounted a contactassembly of a plurality of aligned spring contact elements 127. Thespring contact elements 127 are spaced to correspond to the spacing ofthe terminal pads 78 in the base end 24 of the data collection terminal70 (see FIG. 3). As the data collection terminal 70 is urged toward thebase end 22, the terminal pads 78 engage and are urged against thespring contact elements 127. The spring contact elements areelectrically connected through a flat cable 128 and a connector plug 129to a connector 130. The communicative interconnection between thedocking module 82 and the printer module 81 may of course beaccomplished in any number of ways. A frequently used connector is aD-type connector which one mating part, such as the connector 130 may bemounted to the side wall of the docking module 82 to become coupled tothe mating part of the connector, such as the connector 48 of theprinter module 81. In this manner the data collection terminal becomesquickly coupled to the printer module 81 to communicatively control theprinter mechanism 83 thereof. Electrically the data collection terminal70 and the printer mechanism 83 function as an integral unit. The cable128 shown in FIG. 4 is typically not visible within the cavity 117 inthat it is hidden behind a liner 131 which extends the length of thecavity 117 except for the cut-way view for illustrative purposes. A leafspring 132 disposed within the center of the cavity 117 has a normalupward bias as illustrated. A typical angle in the range of thirty toforty degrees is deemed adequate. During the insertion of the datacollection terminal 70 into the docking module 82, the terminal ispressed toward the cavity 117 and the leaf spring 132 becomescompressed. When it is desired to remove the data collection terminal 70from the docking module 82, the latch lever 118 is pulled toward the topend 19 of the module. As soon as the detenting underside 121 of thelatch lever 118 releases the terminal 70, the leaf spring 132 pushes thedata collection terminal upward past the latch lever 118. It is to berealized that the described terminal docking and releasing procedure isfast, simple and efficient. The carrying case 80 consequently provides aconvenient manner of supporting the printer mechanism 83, and the datacollection terminal 70 and a communicatively coupled scanner 75 shown inFIG. 2, such that a person may readily port the data collectionterminal, the scanner and the printer with one hand.

FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which the printer module 81 and thedocking module 82 are conveniently mounted to each other and showsfurther advantages in their respective structures. The partial end viewin FIG. 5 shows a lead acid battery 133 which occupies the entire lowerend of an inner cavity 135 of the printer module 81. The printermechanism of the preferred 2.4 inch thermal printer is convenientlydisposed within the upper end of the cavity 135. The cavity 135 is ofthe same width as the cavity 117 of the docking module 82. Preferablyboth the printer module 81 and the docking module 82-are substantiallyformed of longitudinal channel members 136 and 111, respectively. In thepreferred embodiment the channel members 111 and 136 are identicalaluminum extrusions which then undergo further distinguishing finishingoperations. The channel member 136 of the printer module 81 is used inan inverted position with respect to the channel member 111 of thedocking module 82. A lower cover plate 137 has adjacent the top end 18 adownward depending paper tray extension 138 in the shape of acylindrical segment. The added space within the cavity 135 provides roomfor a continuous strip of printer media, such as a roll of paper orlabel material to be maintained below the printer mechanism 83.Typically the printer mechanism 83 would be used to print labels whichare individually attached to a continuous strip of backing material. Thestrip is obtainable on a roll. It has been found desirable to maintainthe supply of media within the confines of the printer module 81. Thisis in clear contrast to typical state of the art printing calculatorswhich provide media in rolled stock readily accessible at an upper endof such a device. While it may be convenient to store the supply ofprinter media externally and readily accessible, it has been found thatin a typical commercial environment, the label material may get marredor otherwise damaged when externally stored, rendering it unfit foraccurately displaying bar code label information. The printer module 81is mounted to the docking module 82 spaced by a spacer plate 140. Thespacer plate 140 has a thickness to provide correct spacing for mountingthe connector 48 and its mating connector 130 to the respectivelyadjacent side walls 141 and 142 of the printer module 81 and the dockingmodule 82. The spacer plate 140 with its constant thickness provides astable mounting base for the joining of the two oppositely facing sidewalls 141 and 142. The attachment of the modules 81 and 82 mayconveniently be accomplished with typical threaded fasteners or similarmeans through centrally apertures 50 disposed centrally of the mountingplate 140.

The combination of the printer module 81 and the docking module 82 isprovided with a foot structure 143 mounted beneath the docking module 82toward an outer wall 144 of the channel member 111. The foot structure143 provides together with the paper tray extension 143 a support basefor positioning the carrying case 80 at a slight incline with an upwardtilt of the case with respect to the base ends 21 and 22. The footstructure 143 supports the docking module 82 at the same tilt as that ofthe printer module 81 when the carrying case 80 is placed on a flatsurface with the terminal receiving cavity 117 of the docking module 82facing up.

FIG. 6 shows the liner 131 of the docking module 82 separate from thedocking module 82. A guide member 150 is preferably mounted to theinside of the liner 131 adjacent the top end 19 of the docking module82. A lower guide member 151 is preferably mounted toward the base end22 of the docking module 82. The guide members 150 and 151 have surfacecontours to correspond to similar surface contours of an adjacentsurface of the data collection terminal 70. The corresponding surfacecontours help seat the data collection terminal 70 with respect to thespring contacts 127 upon insertion of the terminal 70 into the cavity117. A cutout 152 is provided adjacent the base end of the module toallow the spring contacts to protrude into the cavity 117. The leafspring 132 may be mounted by threaded fasteners 153 and respective nuts154 or by other convenient means to the inside of the liner 131 afterassembly of the liner into the cavity 117.

FIG. 7 is a partial and foreshortened sectional view through the dockingmodule 82 to show the latch lever 118 and its pivot mount in greaterdetail. The latch lever 118 is pivoted about a shaft 156 mounted to thetop end cap 110 and a mounting bracket 157, see also FIG. 5. A spring158 acting between the top end cap 110 and the latch lever 118 biasesthe latch lever normally to the forward position as shown. When a datacollection terminal 70 is docked the lever 118 is urged back and thespring 158 becomes deflected to exert a respective counter force againstthe latch lever 118 to urge the data collection terminal into contactwith the spring contacts 127.

FIG. 8 shows the carrying case 80 supported within a support frame 160of a support structure 161. In the preferred example depicted, thesupport structure is a molded support tray 161 which may be placedbetween the handle bar 162 and a backrest 163 of a baby's seat in atypical shopping cart 164. The support frame 160 is in the preferredembodiment a molded rim forming a seat for the carrying case 80, Inreference to FIG. 9, showing a cross section through the preferred tray161, the carrying case 80 (shown in phantom lines) is supported at therim 160 above a substantial cavity 165 for holding additionalaccessories for the printer module 81, for example, such as additionalrolls of paper or labels (not shown). Also, the depending paper trayextension 138 and the foot 143 extend downward into the cavity 165 whenthe carrying case 80 is laid flat into the frame 160. Additionally, moreshallow trays 166 may be formed adjacent the handle bar position. In abase 167 of the cavity 165 a plurality of adjacent and parallel crossgrooves 168 provide for seating the cavity end 169 of the tray 161 onthe backrest 163 of various differently sized shopping carts. Themultiple cross grooves 168 adapt the tray 161 to most shopping cartswithout special adjustments or modifications.

FIG. 10 illustrates data flow and power management for the printermodule and the data collection terminal 70, for example. The preferredembodiment of the carrying case 80, the printer mechanism 83 is poweredby the battery 133. However, the data collection terminal 70 carries itsown portable power source, such as a rechargeable battery 171, withinthe terminal 70. Data communication between the data collectionapparatus 10 as described herein and external data devices, such as ahost computer via the referred to transceiver 41, for example, or bydirect connection of a cable to the communications connector 73, isindicated by an external data communication function at 174. The datacollection terminal 70 consequently serves as data input terminal fromthe scanner 75, as shown in FIG. 2, via keyboard entries by a user, orvia radio frequency communications from a host computer. The datacollection terminal 70 also is the data output terminal for the outgoingdata flow indicated at 174, for data display on the display screen 28(see FIG. 2), or via the docking module 82 and printer module 81(through connectors 48, 129 and 130 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) to theprinter mechanism 83.

FIG. 11 shows a lateral end view of the carrying case 80 from the sideof the handle 98. The carrying case is placed on a flat support surface175 and is disposed at an incline with the top end 18 raised above thebase end 21 of the printer module. The paper tray extension 138 restsagainst the support surface 175. The docking module 82 is supported bythe foot structure 143 which is displaced with respect to the paper trayextension 138 toward the base end 21 by a sizable distance. A distinctadvantage of the foot structure 143 is that the height of the footstructure 143 is less because of the displacement, such that the foot143 is less likely to break off when the apparatus 10 as a unit isaccidentally dropped while being carried about. It has been found thatthe docking module 82 does not need the support of the foot 143 at thevery top end of the carrying case 80. When the data collection terminal70 is inserted into the docking module 82, the keyboard 29 beingdisposed toward the base end of the docking module, the displaced foot143 represents part of a three contact point support together with thepaper tray extension 138 and a lowermost contact edge 178 with thesupport surface 175.

In view of the above detailed description of a preferred embodiment andmodifications thereof, various other modifications will now becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. The claims below encompass thedisclosed embodiments and all reasonable modifications and variationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing apparatus for use with a portablecomputer, the portable computer having a user interface thereon and atop end to which an accessory or an antenna may optionally be attached,comprising:a) a housing, b) a printer module, located in said housing,having a printer for printing information, c) a docking module, locatedin said housing, for mechanically receiving the portable computer, andd) a connector system for electrically connecting the portable computer,while received by said docking module, to said printer module, so thatinformation can be communicated from the portable computer to saidprinter, wherein said docking module is capable of receiving portablecomputers of various sizes.
 2. The printing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the printing apparatus is a portable data printing apparatus. 3.The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computer is adata collection terminal.
 4. The printing apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe accessory is an optical indicia reader.
 5. The portable dataprinting apparatus of claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises ahandle providing a hand-grip area for carrying the portable dataprinting apparatus.
 6. The portable data printing apparatus of claim 2,wherein the user interface of the portable computer can be viewed andactuated by a user while the portable computer is received by saiddocking module.
 7. The portable data printing apparatus of claim 6,wherein said docking module allows the portable computer to beoperational while the portable computer is received by said dockingmodule.
 8. The portable data printing apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising, within said housing, a power supply system having a batteryfor providing operating power to the portable data printing apparatus.9. The portable data printing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said batteryis a rechargeable battery.
 10. The portable data printing apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein said printing module and said docking module are bothsubstantially rectangular in shape.
 11. The portable data printingapparatus of claim 2, wherein said docking module is designed so thatthe portable computer can be readily removed from and reinserted intosaid docking module.
 12. The portable data printing apparatus of claim2, wherein said docking module is shaped to permit insertion into saiddocking module of a portable computer having an accessory attached tothe top end of the portable computer.
 13. The portable data printingapparatus of claim 12, wherein said docking module is shaped to permitinsertion into said docking module of a portable computer having anoptical indicia reader accessory attached to the top end of the portablecomputer.
 14. The printing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said dockingmodule is shaped to permit insertion into said docking module of aportable computer having an antenna attached to the top end of theportable computer.
 15. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein saidhousing further comprises a handle providing a hand-grip area forcarrying the printing apparatus.
 16. The printing apparatus of claim 3,wherein the user interface of the data collection terminal can be viewedand actuated by a user while the data collection terminal is received bysaid docking module.
 17. The printing apparatus of claim 16, whereinsaid docking module allows the data collection terminal to beoperational while the data collection terminal is received by saiddocking module.
 18. The printing apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising, within said housing, a power supply system having a batteryfor providing operating power to the printing apparatus.
 19. Theprinting apparatus of claim 18, wherein said battery is a rechargeablebattery.
 20. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein said dockingmodule is shaped to permit access of a user's fingers to a portion of atleast one side of the data collection terminal to facilitate insertionand removal of the data collection terminal.
 21. The printing apparatusof claim 3, wherein said docking module is shaped to permit access of auser's fingers to at least a portion of two opposite sides of the datacollection terminal to facilitate insertion and removal of the datacollection terminal.
 22. The printing apparatus of claim 3, wherein saiddocking module is designed so that the data collection terminal can bereadily removed from and reinserted into said docking module.
 23. Theprinting apparatus of claim 3, wherein said docking module is shaped topermit insertion into said docking module of a data collection terminalhaving an antenna attached to the top end of the data collectionterminal.
 24. The printing apparatus of claim 4, wherein said dockingmodule is shaped to permit insertion into said docking module of a datacollection terminal having an optical indicia reader attached to the topend of the data collection terminal.